H1N1 or Swine flu deaths could reach 90,000 this fall

The President’s Advisory council (PCAST) has released a report stating the nation’s H1N1 or Swine flu preparedness. In the report, a projected ‘worst case scenario’ depicts between 30,000 and 90,000 people could die from the virus this fall. The new H1N1 or Swine flu strain is virulent and expected to have the most devastating effect With the new vaccine expected to be ready by mid October, it is estimated that nearly 40 percent of citizens could contract the H1N1 virus or suffer from Swine flu symptoms this fall.

Each year, an estimated 36,000 deaths are attributed to seasonal flu. The projected 30,000-90,000 deaths attributed to the H1N1 or Swine flu virus would not replace the 36,000 deaths caused by seasonal flu, but are in addition to those deaths. Essentially, Swine flu deaths, or H1N1 deaths would surpass those of the traditional seasonal flu. Other statistics from the report that helps show the brevity of potential Swine flu deaths include the percentage of U.S. citizens expected to become sick with the H1N1 virus. On average, between 5 and 20 percent of U.S. citizens become ill with regular season flu. The report gives a whopping projection between 30 and 50 percent of Americans to become ill with the Swine flu.

As this is a new illness, no one has antibodies or immunity to the virus. Therefore, these are projections, or estimates. It’s important to remember that the number, 90,000, is only speculation and a worst-case scenario. With the vaccine in current production, there is expected to be approximately 50 million doses ready in October and another 200 million doses by the beginning of 2010. Also to keep in consideration, the H1N1 vaccine is not a one shot deal. There is one dose given by injection, and then another shot is required 3 weeks later. Those who receive the vaccine must be diligent to follow through and get the additional shot. With the shortage of vaccinations available, the virulent nature of the virus, and the potential for widespread pandemics of epidemic proportions, it is imperative that everyone, from the young to old, institute safe hygiene practices to diminish the spread of the H1N1 or Swine flu virus.

Some suggestions include making sure that children and adults that are sick stay home from school or work, washing hands frequently, and coughing into a sleeve. This is sometimes referred to as the Dracula cough, and is an effective method for teaching children to cough in their sleeve.

Read the PCAST recommendations and administration progress
 

Report to the President on U.S. Preparations for H1N1 Influenza

More U.S News

Hurricane Bill kills a 7 year old gir, Clio Axelrod,l at Acadia National Park in Maine (video and slideshow)

President Obama: Ben Bernanke nominated for second term

President Obama: Remarks on the nomination of Ben Bernanke for Chairman of the Federal Reserve

Space Shuttle Discovery launch postponed until Wednesday: Mission STS-128

CIA torture investigation: Leon Panetta responds

Ryan Jenkins death described by hotel staff and Jasmine Fiore sexy videos on MySpace

Michael Jackson death timeline: Dr. Conrad Murray by his side for 1 hour 20 min. before 911 call

Bernie Madoff doesn’t have cancer: according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons

Senator Charles Grassley talks about public option in health care reform on Face the Nation

President Obama advisory council releases H1N1 (swine flu) report: PCAST